Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid

8/10

6/10

Deadass might be the best out of the three

6/10

Deadass might be the best out of the three

Rating: 7.8/10

Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid is a brilliant, emotional, and thought-provoking conclusion to the high school chapter of the saga. The film masterfully shifts focus to Sakuta's unresolved trauma, delivering a powerful and intelligent psychological drama.

Highlights
- Magnificent Storytelling: The screenplay is a magnificent return to the franchise's high-concept roots, with a powerful and poignant piece of psychological storytelling.
- Compelling Character Arc: Sakuta's character arc is deeply compelling and satisfying, as he confronts his own feelings and grapples with his relationship with Mai.
- Fantastic Direction: Sōichi Masui's direction is fantastic, balancing surreal and reality-bending aspects with intimate character moments.

Criticisms
- Inaccessible to Newcomers: The film is impenetrable for newcomers due to its deep reliance on previous events in the series.
- Limited Supporting Cast: The beloved supporting cast has very little screen time or impact on the plot.

Verdict
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Knapsack Kid is a brilliant and beautifully crafted film that delivers a powerful and emotionally satisfying conclusion to Sakuta's high school story. It's an essential and near-perfect chapter for fans of the franchise.